High voltage air break switch assemblies



May 15, 1956 w. L. HOLLANDER HIGH VOLTAGE AIR BREAK SWITCH AssEMBLIEs 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 8, 1952 INI/EN TOR.

May 15, 1956 w. HOLLANDER HIGH VOLTAGE AIR BREAK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 8, 1952 May 15, 1956 w. HOLLANDER 2,745,919

HIGH VOLTAGE AIR BREAK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES Filed May 8, 1952 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN V EN TOR. @gz Mm May 35, 1956 W. 1 HOLLANDER HIGH VOLTAGE AIR BREAK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES l0 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 8, 1952 INVENTOR.

May A5, i956 W. L.. HOLLANDER HIGH VOLTAGE AIR BREAK swITcH AssEMBLIEs 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 8, 1952 INVENTOR.

May l5, 3956 w. 1 HOLLANDER HIGH VOLTAGE AIR BREAK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES l0 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed May 8, 1952 j @ci INVENTOR.

May 15, i956 w. n.. HOLLANDER HIGH VOLTAGE AIR BREAK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES lO Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed May 8, 1952 May l5, 1956 W. 1 HOLLANDER HIGH VOLTAGE AIR BREAK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed May 8, 1952 JI'WWW 33a INVENTOR.

May 15, 1956 w. HOLLANDER HIGH VOLTAGE AIR BREAK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES l0 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed May 8, 1952 INVENTOR.

May i5, E956 W. l.. HOLLANDER 2,745,959

HIGH VOLTAGE AIR BREAK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES Filed May 8, 1952 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 my 2 7 2/7 ze Z7 if? La' 322 in: JNVHNTOR.

, XM/waff@ nited States latent HIGH VGLTAGE AIR BREAK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES William L. Hollander, Centralia, Mo., assignor to A. B.

Chance Company, Centralia, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Application May 8, 1952, Serial No. 286,794

26 Ciaims. (Ci. Zim-43) The present invention relates to high voltage air-break assemblies, and is particularly concerned with an improved electric switch of the type in which high pressure contact is secured by rotating the switch arm after it has been moved into contact engaging position.

One of the objects of the invention is the provision of an improved mechanism in which the crank arm which causes the twisting of the blade toward high pressure contact, becomes shorter as the switch is closed, thereby twisting the blade at a greater rate of speed after the blade enters the clip.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved switch mechanism of the class described, in which the twisting movement of the blade from the closed position, which is exerted before the arcuate opening movement, has a progressive, powerful ice-breaking force at the clip end of the switch arm.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved switch mechanism in which the relative positions of the axes of the hinge, the blade tubing, and the rotating insulator are such that the operator may exert a very powerful ice-breaking force in the twisting movement of the blade to open the switch.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved switch mechanism in which the blade axis and the insulator axis coincide when the blade is open 90 degrees so that overtravel of the mechanism passes deadcenter and locks the blade in the open position.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved mechanism of the class described in which overtravel on the closed end of the stroke locks the blade against opening. This is a very important feature, as the electromagnetic iield which is generated about the conducting arm and conducting clip of the switch exerts a powerful force to open the switch blade, especially when there is a short circuit involving the passage of heavy currents.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved construction in which the mechanism includes a minimum number of parts in the connecting link between the blade and the driving means, and in which the blade is under positive control at all phases of its operation, which includes controlled rocking, turning and sliding.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved construction in which the entire mechanism is protected against ice, corrosion or obstruction by other things, such as the branches of trees so that operation under all conditions is assured.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved shunt for by-passing the hinge of the blade, which shunt is fully enclosed, and most nearly approaches the eiciency of a flexible bolted shunt without being subject to the disadvantages of fraying or damage due to exposure.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved one-piece shunt construction which maintains a anatra Patented May 15, 1956 e ICC constant resilient electrical connection between the moving blade and the iixed bridge which supports it.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved shunt construction which provides eiiicient electric current transfer for high amperage currents and in which there are a minimum number of current transfers from one part to another in passing the current from the blade to the bridge, such as, for example, three contact transfers which are divided into two paths in parallel.

Another object of the invention is the provision of improved current carrying surfaces in which large surfaces are maintained under pressure without the necessity of adding external springs, so that a lifetime high electrical efiiciency is provided without necessity for maintenance or adjustment.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved switch assembly in which an interlock is provided that prevents the grounding of the switch until the main switch has been opened, and in which when the ground switch is closed the main switch cannotY be closed until the ground switch is opened.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved shunt for by-passing the hinge of the switch blade in which the magnetic forces which are produced as the result of the passage of large electrical currents, tend to further increase the contact eciency during the existence of such currents by increasing the contact pressure at the shunt.

Another object is the provision of an improved switch mechanism which is simple, sturdy, capable of economi cal manufacture, protected against mechanical damage, weather and ice, and adapted to function more efficiently and more dependably than any of the devices of the prior art.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved angular adjustment for the operating lever of switches of the class described, which permits the rapid adjustment of this operating lever to the desired angular position without unbolting the switch insulator or its mounting, and without removing or shifting parts of the lever adjustment to achieve various small angle adjustments as required for different installations.

The novel features of the invention may be summarized as follows:

l. As the switch is closed, the crank arm which causes twisting of the blade toward high pressure becomes shorter, thereby twisting the blade at a faster rate after the blade enters the clip.

2. A powerful force-multiplying action is provided by the twisting of the blade in closed position before arcuate movement on a short movement arm to provide progressive powerful ice-breaking force at the clip end of the blade.

3. The provision of the blade and the rotating insulator with rigidly attached diagonal cranks acting on each other permits these cranks to act like a toggle mechanism and to pass dead center plane, which is defined by the axes of the blade and of the rotating insulator to lock the blade in open position or in closed position.

4. The sliding universal connection between the blade and the driving insulator includes a minimum number of parts (3 parts) and provides positive control at all phases of the operation which include rocking, turning, and sliding.

5. The entire mechanism is enclosed and protected against ice, corrosion and other obstruction.

6. The shunt at the hinge is fully enclosed and more nearly approaches the eiciency of the flexible bolted shunt without being subject to fraying or exposure damage.

7. The shunt is of one-piece construction, maintaining a constant resilient electrical connection with sliding engagement at the contact surfaces between the moving blade and the xed bridge.

S. There is a minimum amount of current transfer from one part to another in the shunt contact between the blade and bridge, comprising three transfers of current divided into two paths in parallel,

9. Large contact surfaces are maintained under constant pressure, taking up wear and providing lifetime high electrical efficiency without maintenance or adjustment.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which similar characters of reference indicate similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, of which there are ten sheets, accompanying the specification,

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational View showing the preferred form of the switch mechanism with the switch arm in the closed position;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the mechanism of Fig. l, omitting the actuating mechanism at the bottom of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional View taken on the plane of the line 3-3 of Fig. l, looking in the direction of the arrows, showing the universal lever connection between the actuating mechanism and the rotating insulator shaft;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the plane of the line 4 4 of Fig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, front elevational View of the fixed contact clips;

Fig. 6 is a full-size, end elevational view of the switch blade;

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view taken on the plane of the line 7-7 of Fig. 9, looking in the direction of the arrows, showing the construction of the shunt which bypasses the hinge of the blade;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the blade end crank in partial section at its connection to the actuating mechanism;

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of a modification showing another form of actuating mechanism;

Fig. l is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the plane of the line lil-10 of Fig. 9, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. ll is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the plane of the line 11-11 of Fig. 10, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. l2 is a fragmentary elevational view of the mechanism of Figs. 9 to l1, showing the parts in the position in which the blade is open at 90 degrees;

Fig. V13 is a fragmentary elevational view in parta section showing a modified form of connection between the blade crank and the rotating insulator;

Fig. 14 is a similar view of another modification;

Fig. l is a diagrammatic view showing the various axes and operating parts of the switch mechanism, showing the approximate relation of the pivotal axes 271, 272, and 273;

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the assembly of Figs. 9 to 12;

Fig. 17 is an end elevational view of the fixed clip and switch blade in the closed position;

Fig. 18 is a similar View of the clip and blade in an intermediate position at the beginning of the twisting movement between the legs of the clip;

Fig. 1'9 is a plan View of the operating mechanism and ground interlock for a three-phase switch installation;

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing the actuating mechanism of the ground switch;

Fig. 2l is a fragmentary side elevational view of a modified form-of switch blade end;

Fig. 22 is an end View of the latter;

Fig. 23 is a larger fragmentary view of the switch actuating mechanism which appears at the bottom of Fig. l;

Fig. 24 is a fragmentary elevational view of the ground switch crank connections;

Fig. 25 is a similar view of the ground switch blade attachment;

Fig. 26 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the grounding switch; and

Fig. 27 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the grounding switch fixed contacts.

Referring to Fig. l, this is a side elevational view of the switch mechanism for an air-break switch embodying the invention, when the switch is of large size, sufiicient to warrant a counterbalancing of the switch blade.

In other embodiments of the invention, such as, for example, that shown in Fig. 16, the counterbalancing mechanism may be omitted for smaller switches.

The embodiments of Fig. 1 or Fig. 16 may be constructed with or without the counter-balance mechanism.

Referring to Fig. 1, the switch installation preferably includes the two fixed insulators 3f?, 31, and the rotating insulator 32, all of these being mounted upon a suitable channeled base 33, which forms a part of the framework employed for the complete switch installation, such as that shown in Fig. 19.

The channeled base 33 is provided with a pair of metal columns 34, 35, acting as spacers to bring the fixed insulators 3f), 31 up into the same level as the rotating insulator 32, which is provided with the intermediate actuating mechanism 36.

The fixed insulators 30, 3i are each provided with metal bases 37, 38, which are secured to the columns 34, 35 by the screw bolts 39. The rotating insulator 32 has a similar metal base 4t) secured to its actuating mechanism 36 by screw bolts 41.

Each of the insulators 3ft-32 is provided with a metal cap 42-44, securely anchored to the insulator and adapted to support the switch parts. The metal cap 42 of insulator 30 supports the fixed Contact clip assembly 45, the details of which are shown in Fig. 5.

This clip contact assembly includes a flanged base 46, secured to the cap 42 by a plurality of screw bolts 47, passing through member 46 and threaded into the cap. The base 46 has a pair of upwardly extending iianges 48, which are provided with threaded bores for receiving the threaded Shanks of the screw bolts 49 which secure the fixed contact clips 5d and the long and short springs Si, 52, which form a part of the fixed Contact assembly.

All of the parts Sii-52 are provided with through bores 53 adjacent their lower ends for passing the bots 49. The lower ends 54 of all of the parts Sii-52 are cut ofi square and squarely engage the plane top 55 of the cap 42, so that they can be secured in vertical position by means of a single screw bolt, the square end preventing any rotation.

All of the parts Sti-52 have a slight inward bend at 56, just above the supporting base 46, so that the clips and springs bend toward each other at the top. The clip shoe Sb on the right of Fig. 5 is plane and has a straight body but is provided with an easy bend outward at 57, near its upper end.

The other clip shoe 50 on the left is preferably of the stop type, having substantially the same shape but being provided with a stop rib 58 midway between its top and bottom, a stop rib 59 where the shoe is bent outward, and a stop rib 60 between ribs 58 and 59. The upper ends of the shoes 50 both diverge to facilitate the entry of the switch blade between them.

Referring again to Fig. l, the base 46 preferably has another upwardly extending attaching flange 6l, located outwardly with respect to the switch blade, and provided with a cap screw 62, which is adapted to secure the laterally bent end 63 of a wire horn 64, which extends upwardly from the base 46 and has a lateral bend at 65 beyond the clip shoes after which the upper portion 66 diverges from the plane of the arc horn 67, which is carried by the blade 68.

The base 46 also has a forward extension 69, provided with a pair of bores 7 0, for passing the threaded connector bolt 71, which draws the connector clamping member 72 toward the base extension 69 to clamp an electrical conductor by means of which the switch is connected in circuit.

The other fixed insulator 31 has its cap 43 provided with a pair of securing anges 73, 74, and with a similar rearward extension 75, having similar connector bolts 71 and clamping member 72 for securing the electrical conductor to this part for effecting a connection to the blade of the switch.

The anges 73, 74 support one end of the bridge 76, which forms a xed connection between the fixed insulator 31 and the rotating insulator 30, holding these parts in spaced relation but permitting the rotation of the insulator 32. For this purpose the bridge may form an integral extension of the cap 43, comprising a pair of diverging laterally extending arms 77, 7S, joined by a transverse reinforcing member 79, Fig. 2; and thereafter having two parallel portions 80, 81 which extend parallel to the switch blade 68, but are provided with downwardly curved supporting portions S2, 83, Fig. 2, which are integrally joined by a lower horizontal portion 84, providing a bearing at 8S for a cap screw 86, which serves as a trunnion for rotatably supporting the insulator 32 at its upper end. Y

Cap screw S6 passes through the bore 85 and has a washer 87, and is threaded into the base 88, carried by the cap 44 of the rotating insulator 32. The bridge 76 has both of its legs 86, S1 provided with aligned threaded through bores 39 for receiving the stub shafts 90, which form the trunnions of the horizontal hinge of the switch blade 68.

Referring to Fig. l, the horizontal axis of the trunnions 90 is located forwardly, that is, to the left of the axis of the vertical bearing 85. This location has an important relation to the axis of blade 68, with reference to the axis of trunnions 90, as will be further explained.

Referring to Fig. 7, the stub shafts 90 are there shown in detail in the threaded bores 89. Each stub shaft 90 has a head 91, an enlarged threaded shank 92 and a reduced cylindrical trunnion portion 93 serving as the hinge for the hinge housing 94.

Each stub shaft 99 terminates in a frustoconical end portion 95 engaging a complementary frusto-conical bore 96 in one end of the shunt 97, further to be described. The hinge housing 94 comprises a cast metal member shown in section in Fig. 7 and in plan in Fig. 2.

The hinge housing has a round tubular end 9S at its left end, Fig. 2, and rnay be provided with a substantially plane top wall 99 extending toward the right, and with two outwardly diverging side walls 111i? and 101 extending toward the right in Fig. 2.

The side wall portions 102, 163 are parallel, as shown in Pigs. 2 and 7, and provided with self-lubricating bearings 164 in the aligned bores 11'55 for receiving the trunnions 93 of the hinge. The lower side of the hinge housing 94 may have an opening but is closed by means of a sheet metal cover 106, secured in place by a plurality of screw bolts 107, and permitting access to the shunt 97.

Hinge housing 94, Fig. 9, has a projection 94a at one side of its rear end. This projection is so positioned that when the switch is in fully open position in Fig. l2, the projection 94a rests against the blade crank 243.

rl`hus the parts 243 and 94a constitute stop members, limiting the opening movement of the blade to a point just past dead center, and supporting the blade in 90 degrees open position, during the interval in which the rotating insulator plate 245 passes dead center.

As blade 246 has its mechanism past dead center, it is locked open thereby and the mechanism must be moved back through dead center to unlock the blade before closing the blade.

When closing the switch from the position of Fig. l2", the engagement of crank 243 with projection 94a, insures that the blade begins to close when the insulator 43 is rotated in the reverse or closing direction, by directing all the rotational force of the insulator 43 through the cranks 249 and 243, to provide arcuate movement of the blade 240.

Referring to Fig. 9, the switch is in closed position and the upward slant of the crank 243 in this figure shows that the crank 243 is past dead center position, locking the switch closed. The adjacent web 24851 of the bridge 248 constitutes a stop, preventing further upward movement of crank 243 in this figure.

Were it not for the stop 248g, the blade 240 could be opened by rotating the crank 243 in either direction, or by pulling manually on the blade, but the stop 248:1 prevents the crank 243 from rotating upward in Fig. 9, beyond the point of engagement with 248er.

Opening forces on the blade, such as are caused by the interaction of uxes caused by excessive current, tend to turn the crank 243 upward in Fig. 9, but the crank is locked against stop 248a.

To open the switch it is necessary to unlock it rst by turning insulator 43 in such direction that crank 243 passes down in Fig. 9 past dead center. Then further rotation in the same direction will rotate the blade 240 and pivot the blade to open position.

The back wall 198 of the hinge housing, Fig. 2, is provided with a circular bore 169, Fig. 10, for rotatably supporting the blade crank end 110, Fig. 8, which is also rotatably supported in the tubular portion 98, which has a bore 111.

The axis of the blade 240, Fig. 10, and of the bore 109 is displaced downwardly from the axis of trunnions 90, by an amount which is preferably equal to the forward displacement of the vertical axis of bearing 85, relative to the axis of trunnions 99. This means that when the blade 96 or 240 is vertical, its axis is aligned with the vertical axis of insulator 43. This permits overtravel of the mechanism to lock the blade at open position.

Referring to Fig. 15, this diagram merely illustrates the axis roughly and does not show the further improvement comprising the downward displacement of axis 273, nor the forward displacement of axis 272, relative to axis 271.

The bores 109, 111 may be provided with self-lubricating bearings 112, 113 for rotatably supporting the cylindrical portions 114, 115 of the blade crank end 1.10, Fig. 8. The blade crank end 110 comprises a cast metal member having an axial portion 116, which is provided with the cylindrical bearing portions 114, 115.

The axial portion 116 terminates in a head 117 at the right, Fig. 8, provided with a thrust bearing flange 118 for engaging the end of the hinge housing. The blade crank end head 117 supports a diagonally extending crank arm 119, terminating in a cylindrical trunnion 120.

The crank arm 119 is ribbed laterally and vertically at 121 and 122 for reinforcement and carries an annular thrust shoulder 123 between its cylindrical portion 120 and the body of the arm. The angle at which the arm 119 extends may be varied but is preferably at substantially 45 degrees to the axis of the axial portion 116 and bearings 114, 115.

The trunnion 121B of the crank arm is slidably and rotatably mounted in a bore 124 in a universally mounted annular ball member 125, the external surface 126 of which is partially spherical. Ball constitutes a selfaligning unit and is mounted for a limited rotation in an annular self-lubricating bearing 127, which has a cylindrical outer surface 12S and a spherically concave inner surface 129.

The ball 125 and bearing 127 preferably comprise a three piece unit of self-lubricating material, such as a powdered metal carbon graphite compound. By having the bearing 127 split in the middle, replacement of these 7 parts in the field `is made easy; and this construction is strong, eicient and economical.

Spherically concave inner surface 129 engages and retains the ball unit 125 against movement out of the bearing 127, but permits a universal pivotal and rotating movement. The rotating insulator 32 has the base 33 secured to its cap by screw bolts 139, Fig. 1, and base 88 has a rearward extension 131 which is bent upwardly at 132, and has a bearing Vportion '133 at substantially right angles to the trunnion 120.

Bearing portion 133, Fig. 8, has a bore 134 for receiving the cylindrical self-lubricating ball socket bearing 127. Bearing 127 engages a shoulder carried by an inwardly projecting flange 135 at the lower end, Fig. 8, and is secured by a ,snap ring 136 in a groove at Athe upper end in Fig. 8.

Thus the ball 125, trunnion 120 and bearing 127 provide a universal connection between the crank arm 119 and the bearing extension 133 on the base of. the rotating insulator. at an angle of substantially 45 degrees.

The blade crank end 110, Fig. 8, is rotatably mounted in the hinge housing 94, and the blade crank end supports the 'blade 68. The blade crank end 110 is conned against axial movement by the thrust surface 118, Fig. S, at the right, and engages the hinge housing by a blade collar 137, Fig. l, which is secured in place by one or more set screws 138 threaded into the collar and into a threaded bore 139 in the blade crank end engaging the blade 68.

The blade 68 comprises a tubular member of cylindrical copper tubing, the right end of which in Fig. 2 is tixedly secured to the blade crank end of Fig. 8, within which the blade 68 is mounted.

The thrust collar 137 takes the thrust against the front blade bearing and provides for easy assembly of the hinge housing and blade and easy replacement of the lade in the iield.

At its left end, Fig. 2, the blade 63 has a flattened portion 140, which is substantially elliptical in shape as shown in Fig. 6. This elliptical end portion 141) is provided with a cast metal insert 141 after being partially llattened, and drereatter the two parts 141 and 140 are subjected to an additional forming operation by means of which the ller end 141 is permanently and frictionally clamped in the end of the blade.

The ller end 141 has an axial threaded bore 142 for receiving the outwardly proiecting wire horn 67, which is locked in place by means of a lock nut 143, Fig. 1,

on its threaded portion engaging the end of the liller i Blade horn 67 comprises a wire extension which engages the xed horn 64, sliding up the fixed horn until the blade 68 is out of contact with the clips Si), and thereafter producing the break between the horns 64 and 67, beginning at the bend 65 and causing the arc to spread upwardly on the diverging portion 66 until the arc is broken. Such horns are only employed where the switch is installed to break upwardly, as such an arc will only pass upwardly with certainty.

The elliptical end portion 140 and the blade 63, Fig. 6, presents a relatively narrow dimension from side to side at the diameter 144, and presents a much wider dimension across the diameter 145. Thus the flattened end portion 140 is adapted to enter between the clips with ease when its narrowest dimension is presented, and thereafter it is twisted from the position of Fig. 1S to that of Fig. 17, where its ends 145 engage the shoes of the clip tightly, as shown in Fig. 17, spreading the clip shoes apart and assuring a ytight electrical contact.

The lowermost shoulder or rib 58 on the left clip shoe G serves as a stop for preventing the whipping of the blade downward past that point when the blade is slammed shut. The second rib or stop surface 60 serves to retain the blade between the clip shoes against acci- The bearing extension 133 extends upward Cil dental opening, reinforcing the locking action which is inherent in the actuating mechanism when it passes deadcenter.

The third and uppermost rib 59, Fig. 5, serves as a half lock against Vthe accidental opening of the blade in the same manner in which vehicle car doors are locked against opening, even when not fully locked, and gives additional safety against the opening of the blade when it has not reached the fully closed position of Fig. 17.

Referring to Figs. 17 and 1S, these views show a clip ot a simplified construction comprising one integral U- shaped member 146 of spring copper, the two legs of which diverge at the upper end and are joined by a rounded spring V147 at the lower end and secured by a single bolt 14.3.

The clip construction in Fig. 5 has the additional advantage that the clip shoes 50 may be made of copper which need not retain its resiliency since the shoes are resiliently engaged by the short and long springs 52, 51, which do not need to carry current and, therefore, retain their resiliency throughout a long life. Springs 51, 52 are preferably made of beryllium copper.

Referring to Fig. 7 and Fig. 1l, these views both show the shunt 97. Fig. 1l shows the hinge housing of a two piece construction, also shown in section in Fig. l0. In this modification the hinge housing 94 comprises a rear part 150 and a front part 151.

In the preferred embodiment of Fig. 1 the hinge housing 94 is preferably made of a single piece closed by a sheet metal cover 1136 at its lower side, the cover being removed for access to the shunt 97. The shunt 97 preferably comprises a resilient copper strip, the middle portion 152 (Fig. 7) of which is formed to substantially cylindrical form, except that it is open at the upper side 153.

The cylindrical portion 152 lits tightly about the switch blade body 68, which it resiliently engages and clamps, providing a constant wiping and cleaning action to maintain a good contact of low resistance and high conductivity as the switch blade rotates. At the points 154 and 155 the shunt 97 is bent laterally with an easy bend and provided with a horizontal aligning portion forming the yokes 156, 157.

These yokes are downwardly turned at 158 in each case and provided with a depending flange or leg 159, 160, these flanges being parallel to each other when installed, but having an initial outward spread away from each other for resiliently engaging the trunnions 9i) at their frustoconical end portions 95.

For this purpose each contacting flange 159, 164i of the shunt 97 has a truste-conical bore 96. The shunt springs out into engagement with the two trunnions; and by means of these tapered surfaces 95, 96 all wear is taken up and the shunt is automatically centered on each trunnion, and rotation on the trunnions is permitted.

1n the preferred embodiment of the invention the copper shunt is reinforced and made more resilient by means of the two back-up springs 161 of substantially U shape, which have their yokes riveted to the yokes of the shunt by means of rivets 162. The back-up springs need carry no current, and therefore will not lose their resiliency, while the shunt, which carries current, might in time lose its resiliency by becoming heated.

The present shunt permits the rotative motion of thc biadc in the hinge housing and the pivotalV motion of the hinge housing on the trunnions, while maintaining a goed electrical connection between the blade and trunnions at all times. The shape and structure of the shunt is such that the passage of an excessive current will tend to cause the shunt to grip the trunnions and the blade still more tightly because the magnetic field caused by such an excessive current tends to react against other portions of the same field to straighten out the shunt; and the tendency to straighten the shunt makes it grip the blade and trunnions more tightly.

T he shunt may be employed, however, with or without back-up springs, the latter being omitted when the results caused by the springs are not considered necessary.

Referring to Fig. 1 again, the larger types of switches are preferably provided with a counter-balance mechanism 163 substantially as shown in Fig. l. Such a mechanism is used on account of the large size and weight of the parts, which might be used in a switch of 69 kv. or larger.

For this purpose the larger switches have the hinge housing 94E provided with an upwardly projecting ear 164 having a through bore for receiving a bolt or pin 165. rl'he pin 165 is engaged by a bifurcated threaded fitting 166 having a threaded bore for receiving the threaded en 167 of a rod 163.

A lock nut locks the rod in the fitting 166. The rod 16S extends into a barrel 169, comprising a metal 'tube and a pair of cast metal caps 170 and 171. The cast metal caps 174i, 171 are each formed with a cylindrical socket 172, the side wall of which is provided wi l1 a pair of oppositely located threaded bores for receiving a machine bolt 173 provided with a spring lock washer 171i.

The end of the machine bolt 173 in each case extends into the socket 172 and into a registering bore in the tube or barrel 159, loclsng each cap on the barrel. The cap 173 is provided with a tubular projection 175, having a bore for slidably receiving the rod 168, which passes into the barrel 169 and carries a spring abutment 176.

Spring abutment 176 comprises a circular cast metal member having a threaded bore 177 by means of which it is threaded on the end of rod 163. lt has an annular seat 178 for seating the counter-balance spring 179, the other end of which is seated against the inner end of cap 170.

The characteristics of the spring 179 are such that it counter-balances the weight of the switch blade assembly 68 and holds it in any position to which it may be moved. ln the position of Fig. l the spring 179 is at maximum compression; but it is not strong enough to do anything more than support the weight of the blade.

The other cap 171 is similar in construction and imilarly attached to the tube 169 and is provided with a pair of longitudinally projecting ears 130 (Fig. 2), which are pivotally mounted upon a pin 181 secured in place by a pair of cotter pins 182.

The pin 131 passes through a pair of upwardly projecting ears 183 carried by the flanges 73, 74 on the cap 43; and the pin 181 provides a pivotal mounting for the adjacent end of the counter-balance barrel 169. ln the smaller sizes of switches the ears 164 and upwardly projecting flanges 183, as well as the counter-balance, are eliminated.

Referring to Figs. 21 and 22, these show alternative blade end construction used on the larger switches. In this case the tubular blade member 63a is not flattened, but is provided with a cast metal blade end 1344.

This blade end fitting has a cylindrical shank 135 provided with a circular flange 186, which over-lies the circular end 187 of the blade. The shank 185 lits in the blade and has a pair of elongated V-shaped depressions 18S.

The shank is held in the blade by deforming the blade, as shown at 189, on each side, pressing the adjacent blade portions into the V-shaped grooves 188. The shank 135' of the blade end fitting supports a flat blade end portion 199, which is provided with rounded cylindrical ends 191 and with a partially cylindrical hub portion 192. The hub portion 192 has a centrally located threaded bore 193 for the blade horn extension which is threaded into this bore.

This type of blade construction is preferably used on the larger sizes of switches, but it operates in the same manner and is adapted to be brought into closed position first and then twisted to secure a tight contact.

Referring to Figs. l, 3, and 4, these views show the 'actuating levers for the rotating insulator 32. The metal i@ channel 33 is provided with a hole forv passing a shaft 194, which is rotatably mounted in a pair of bearings 195,- 196 in the base bearing housing 197, Fig. 23.

The base bearing housing 197 has a base flange 198 which is secured to the channel by a pair of screw bolts 199, 200. Screw bolt 199 also supports an angle bracket stop member 201, which has an upwardly extending flange 202 carrying a set screw 203 with lock nut 2134 acting as a stop for rotative movement of the rotating insulator 32.

The bearings 195, 196 are preferably self-lubricating bearings of the type comprising a pressed metal and graphite compound; and they are oppositely disposed with thrust flanges engaging both ends of the bearing housing 197.

The shaft 194 has a through bore 205, serving to conneet it to another shaft, if necessary; and it has a threaded portion 2% for receiving the base bearing nut 207, which is secured in place by means of a cotter pin 203.

Shaft 194 carries an integral head 209 having a tapered frusto-conical surface 210 located above a thrust flange 211. The head 209 carries an integral laterally projecting arm 212 provided at its end with a through bore 213 for receiving a pivot pin 214, winch is held in place by cotter pins 215.

The arm 212 carries an inter-phase shaft iitting 216 having a pair of pivot flanges 217 pivotally mounted on the pin 214 and having a cylindrical portion 218 with a bore 219 for receiving a connecting rod 220 (Fig. 19). The connecting rod is secured to the bore 219 by a of conically pointed set screws 221 engaging in complementary sockets in the connecting rod.

The arm 212 carries a depending lug 222 for engaging the set screw 203, which acts as a stop; and it also has a threaded bore 223 for receiving the threaded set screw 224 for connecting the shaft arm 212 with the head 225 of a universal lever 226. The head 225 has a multiplicity of conical depressions for receiving the set screw 224 for adjustably connecting levers 212 and 226 together at any of a multiplicity of angles.

I prefer to call the lever 226 a universal lever for the reason that it permits adjustment of the lever mechanism for any condition which may be encountered in the eld; and it is, therefore, universally applicable to all installations.

The universal lever 226 is shown in Fig. 3; and its head 225 is formed of two parts, a partially circular enlargement 227, and a complementary partially circular member 228, these two tting together to make an annular head 225. The two parts 227, 228 preferably have diagonal engaging end surfaces 229 and radial securing anges 230, 231. Flange 230 has a threaded bore 232 for receiving the screw bolt 233.

The annular head 225 has a frusto-conical bore 234 fitting on the frusta-conical part 210 of the shaft head 209 and resting on the thrust ilange 211.

The base 40 of the rotating insulator 32 has an attaching ilange 235 provided with bores for screw bolts 236, by means of which the insulator base is secured to the shaft head 209 in concentric position. The ange 235 on the base 40 overlies annular head 225 of the universal lever and acts as a thrust flange.

Referring to Fig. 4, this shows a fragment of the annular head 225 with a conical socket 237 for receiving,y the set screw 224 by means of which the universal lever is caused to rotate with the shaft 194.

As Will be seen in Fig. 3, the annular head 225 has a multiplicity of the conical sockets 237 on its lower side, extending almost around a full circle so that the universal lever 226 may extend radially in any desired direction when the switch is closed and when it is open.

This arrangement is of great advantage when an installation is being made, as the switch may be connected to an operatingrhandle by means of the universal lever with a minimum amount of labor. It is only necessary il to swing the universal lever to the desired position and to lock it in place with the `pointed set screw 224.

All of the devices of the prior art with which I am familiar require the removing and replacing of bolts on the insulator base; and in some cases the lever must be turned upside down. The present universal lever can be conveniently adjusted for any installation because it is in an operating position whenever the connecting link to the operating handle causes the universal lever to swing through an arc an eduidistant angie before and beyond a normal position. addinon, the indentations in the universal lever may be used as a positive lock for holding vthe switch open or closed whenover it is required. The indentations in the universal ever 226-227 are used to provide a positivo lock with the lever 2l2 by lixedly locating and seating the se screw 224. rifhe lug 222 and the bolt 223 provide the closed position stop. The open position stop is provided by thc operating handle.

Referring to Figs. 9 to 18, these views show a modiiication, with several dilerent forms of connection between the switch blade crank arm and the rotating insulator. In this case the tubular blade 24) is iixedly secured by means of set screws 241 (Fig. 10) to a blade crank arm 242.

The blade crank arm has a depending portion 243 extending at substantially 45 degrees and provided with a. cylindrical bore 244. The rotating insulator cap 245 has a stub shaft 246 rotatably mounted in a self-lubricating bearing 247 carried by the depending arm 24S of the bridge.

The insulator cap 245 has a radially extending portion 249 provided with an enlargement 2555 having a bore 251 and counterbore 252 for receiving the complementary stub shaft 253, which extends axially with respect to the cylindrical socket 244 when blade 24@ is in closed position. Shaft 253 is secured in place by the nut 254i on its threaded end.

On its other end it carries an annular ball 255, which has 'a bore for receiving the reduced vend and providing f a limited universal connection between the end of the stub shaft 253 and the enlarged bore 24d. The ball 25S is of the same self-lubricating composition mentioned and is secured in place by means of a washer and split ring 256.

Fig. 12 shows this ball in a retracted position with respect to its socket, which it assumes when the switch blade 24) has been raised to vertical position.

Referring, to Fig. 13, this is a modification in which the crank arm 257 is provided with a cylindrical end 258 slidably engaging in a bore 259 in a self-lubricating bal 265, which is universally mounted in a partially spherical socket 251 formed in a radial arm 262 of the cap 263.

Referring to Fig. 14, in this embodiment the crank arm 254 is provided with a tubular extension 265 similar to Fig. l0, with a bore 266, and With a stub shaft 267 carried by an arm 26S. in this case the stub shaft 267 ends in a ball formation 269, which is rotatably mounted in a spherical socket in an annular member 279 rof 'selflubricating composition.

'Ihe annular member 279 has a cylindrical surface 27 and slides in the bore 266.

Referring to Fig. 15, this is a diagrammatic illustration showing the various pivots and axes of the switch assembly, by means of which the switch blade lis caused to turn and swing simultaneously and is 'brought from open to closed position, or vice versa. In Vthis diagram the axis is indicated at 271, ofthe trunnions @il or the hinge housing 94, upon which the blade 68 must rotate to litt the blade from its iixed contact. 272 indicates the vertical axis of the operating shaft and rotating insulator 32. 273 indicates the axis of the tubular blade 63 in the hinge housing, by means of which the blade is to be rotated on its own axis to bring the flattened l2 blade end into tighter engagement with the contact clip. 274 indicates the axis of the crank arm with respect to the blade and with respect to the axis of the insulator, being at substantially 45 degrees to these two axes.

The operation of the switch is very simple, as a rotation of the insulator causes the rotating cap of insulator 32 to move the crank arm in such manner that when the switch is closed the blade 63 is rst rotated from a transverseV position to one in which its attened major axis is turned in such direction that it relieves the contact pressure; and thereafter the blade is lifted from the full line position of Fig. 15 to the dotted line position of Fig. l5`

All of this time some rotation of the blade continues to take place; and when the blade reaches the open position, the end of the crank arm 274 passes the line of dead centers of the axis 272 and locks the blade in open position.

In a similar way, when the blade is closed and the crank arm moves past the plane of the axis 272, the blade is locked in closed position; and this is of the utmost inlpor'tance because excessive currents through such a switch blade produce a heavy magnetic eld; and the reaction of one part of the flux against other parts of the ilux tends to open the switch, which is rcsisted by the locking action of the switch.

In the preferred embodiments of the invention, Fig. 1, Fig. 16, the axis 273 of the blade is displaced downwardly from the axis 271 of arcuate movement by an amount equal to the forward displacement of axis 271, relative to axis 272 of the rotating insulator. This means that when blade 68 is vertical, the axes 272 and 273 coincide, permitting over-travel, and locking the blade in open position. Displacement of the axes is not required to permit locking of the blade in closed position, as this is completed by simple toggle Vaction of the cranks and over-travel past the dead centerV plane.

Referring to Fig. 19, this figure shows the horizontal framework for a three phase switch installation provided with grounding switches for each phase and so arranged that when the main switch is closed, the ground switch cannot be closed; and when the main switch is open, it cannot be closed because the ground switch is closed; and the ground switch must be opened first.

In this installation the transverse channels, which support the three insulators, are indicated at 33a, 33]), and 33C. The iixed insulators, corresponding to those of Fig, 1, are supported on these channels at 30a, 30h, and 39e. The other iixed insulators 3l are supported on these channels at 31a, Sib, and Sie.

The three channels 33a, 33h, and 33e have their ends joined by the longitudinal frame members 275 and 276, which in turn have end frame members 277 and 27 8, forming a rigid horizontal frame.

The three levers 2i2a, 212i?, and 212C for the rotating insulators of the three phases are connected to the connecting rod 22), as previously described, to be actuated together.

The universal lever 226 has its shaft fitting 279 connected to an operating rod 2%0, which has its other end connected to a similar fitting 281 pivotally mounted on a crank 282. The crank 282 is carried by a shaft 283, which extends down to the ground from the position at which the insulators are located, and is provided with a hand crank and handle substantially as shown in Fig. 15.

When the shaft 283 is turned by means of its crank on the ground, the rod 220 moves the universal lever 226 through the arc shown; and the three actuating levers 21251, 2l2b, 212e move through the arc shown in Fig. 20, to actuate the switch from closed position, as shown in Fig. 20, to the open position.

The shaft fitting 21661 is provided with a clevis 234, having a longitudinally extending threaded rod 285 secured in the clevis by means of a lock nut 286. The rod 285 is slidably mounted in a sleeve or tube 287, the other 13 end of which is threaded into a second clevis 288, which is pivotally mounted by means of a pin 289 on a crank arm 290 carried by a shaft 291.

The shaft 291 carries a second crank arm 292, the end of which is pivotally connected to a clevis 293 carrying a longitudinally extending threaded rod 294. Rod 294 is threaded into the smaller end of a reducing tting 295 and secured in adjusted position by a lock nut 296.

The tting 295 has a threaded bore receiving the tubular connecting rod 297, which extends across the framework. The other end of the connecting rod 297 is threaded into a clevis 29S, which is pivotally mounted at 299 upon a universal joint 300, the end of which is pivoted at 301 in a clevis 302 on an axis transverse to the axis of the pin 299.

This provides a universal connection between the push and pull rod 297 and the clevis 302 for rotating the ground switch shaft to which the clevis 302 is iixedly attached.

Fig. 19 shows the grounding switch shaft 303 and the grounding switch blades 306 in the open or horizontal position, this being a plan view.

Fig. 26 shows the grounding switch blades 306 in the vertical or closed position, each of the blades 306, 307 and 308 engaging contacts carried by the insulators 30a, 301), and 30C in this position.

The grounding switch shaft may comprise a rectangular member which is rotatably mounted on the frame by providing peripherally grooved ttings 304 at each of the transverse frame members 33a, 33h, and 33C. These grooved ttings provide the rectangular shaft with an annular groove into which the U-bolt 305 ts for rotatably supporting the shaft.

rIhe U bolts are secured to the frame members 33a, 33b, 33C by the usual nuts; and shaft 303 is provided with grounding switch blades 306, 307, 308, one for each phase. The grounding switch blades are adapted to engage the xed contact assemblies 309 of the type shown in Figs. 26 and 27.

These assemblies include a bracket 310 having its base 311 bolted to one of the transverse frame members 33a, 33b, or 33C and supporting the spring mounted contact shoes 311, 312. These contact shoes are carried by a frame 313, which forms an extension of the bracket head 314 and includes a pair of lateral spring seating anges 315, 316.

The contact shoes comprise relatively straight bars provided with parallel portions 317 and with an out- Wardly flaring portion 318, forming a diverging groove into which the blades 306 to 308 are guided. The parallel portions 317 are connected electrically to the bracket by means of tlexible copper shunts 319, each having one end riveted at 320 to a shoe and the other end secured to the bracket head at 321 by the screw bolt 322, which clamps the anges 315, 316 to the head 314.

The two shoes are urged toward each other by a pair of spiral coil springs 322', each of which has its small end 323 seated about a rivet 324 carried by a flange 316. The larger end of each spring is seated about a frusto-conical seat 325 on a spring seating member 326, which is carried by each of the shoes and secured thereon by means of a threaded member 327.

The grounding blades 306-308 comprise tubular copper members having a flattened end 328 for engagement between the shoes 311, 312. The other end of each blade is carried by a pair of clamping members 329, which clamp it securely on the grounding shaft 303.

Thus the blades all extend in the same direction and are located longitudinally of the shaft to engage one of the grounding contact assemblies 309.

The shaft 291 has an operative connection with a depending manual operating shaft 330 having a crank on the ground for operating the ground switch. The cooperation between the ground switch and the main three phase switch assembly is as follows:

In Fig. 19 the main switch is closed and all of the crank arms 212a, 212b, and 212C extend toward the left in this figure, requiring a movement toward the right to open the main switch. The crank arms 290 and 292 of the ground switch mechanism must also move toward the right or clockwise in Fig. 20 to close the ground switch; but this cannot happen while the main switch is closed because the tubular interlocking member 287 is engaging the lock nut 286 on clevis 284. Thus the ground switch cannot be actuated from its present Open position to its closed position until the main switch is opened.

When the main switch is opened, all of the crank arms 212g, 212b, and 212C move counterclockwise along the arc indicated; and the rod 235 slides toward the right in the sleeve 287 to such a position that the clevis 284 no longer blocks the end of tube 287. The sleeve 287 is then permitted to move toward the right; and the crank arms 290 and 292, which close the grounding switches, are moved in a clockwise direction to close the ground switch as soon as the main switch has been opened.

In this position the end of sleeve 287 again engages the lock nut 286 on clevis 284 and prevents the main switch from being closed until the grounding switch has been opened.

The advantages of the present switch in being locked in the closed position and in the open position, and in providing a powerful twisting action between the end of the blade and the contact clips are explained in greater detail in describing the operation of the switch, of which Fig. 16 is an example as follows:

(Starting from open position) l. Blade 240 is open degrees and is twisted about its axis to some angle more than 90 degrees, such as 100 degrees, being past dead center.

2. In this position, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 16, the axis of blade 240 and rotating insulator 43 coincide.

3. The blade is locked in this position and cannot close unless the rotating insulator turns past the dead center, which is located in a plane defined by the axis of the blade 240 and of the insulator 43.

4. Operation of the rotating insulator brings the blade and the crank 243 into engagement with the projection 94a, Fig. 9, of the hinge housing.

5. Continued rotation of the insulator causes the blade 240 to switch through an arcuate path downward from the dotted line position of Fig. l6 at a rate that is greater than the rotation of the insulator, accomplishing a quick make.

6. At the same time the blade 240 is twisting about its own axis until it has twisted approximately 45 degrees, at which point it begins entry into the contact clip 146 of Fig. 18.

7. From here to the iinal closed position, the arcuate motion of the blade is near a standstill, and the blade is twisted about its own axis from the position of Fig. 18 to that of Fig. 17, at a rate greater than the rotation of the insulator.

8. When the insulator turns past the closed toggle position, the large transverse dimension of the blade end has spread the sides of the clip 146 to maximum width with gradually increasing pressure which etectively cleans the contact.

9. Rotation of the insulator is stopped after passing toggle center by a stop which may comprise the web edge 248a, Fig. 9, but which is usually a stop on the base bearing (not shown).

10. Any tendency to open the blade from the closed position, Fig. 16, would twist the blade into tighter contact with the stop 60 on the clip and the stop 248er.

1l. The opening of the switch reverses the foregoing sequence of operation.

12. The blade is first twisted about its own axis to remove high pressure at the clip contact 246, and to unlock the blade by moving the cranks past the dead center plane.

13. The blade end is Vlifted out of the contact clip at a rate greater than the insulator rotation which rapidly expands the open gap and accomplishes a quick break.

14. Reaching the end of the opening operation, the insulator rotates the crank past toggle center and the blade is locked open.

The operation of the switch is apparent from the foregoing description of the parts and their functions. When the rotating insulator is rotated, the laterally projecting crank portion engages the depending crank portion on the rotatable blade in the closed position, and during the initial movement of the insulator exerts a powerful twisting force on the rotating blade to move it from its tight contact position, with the flattened end extending transversely to turn the attened end upward and downward.

This yforce is powerful enough to break any ice formations; and at the other end the mechanism is completely enclosed by the hinge housing; and ice cannot effect its operation.

As the rotation of the insulator continues, the action of the two cranks cooperating with each other involves a sliding connection and a universal connection; and the resulting action lifts the blade, producing a maximum amount of movement of the blade in a minimum amount of time.

While the blade continues to rotate slightly throughout its lifting action, this rotating action of the blade is immaterial. The blade finally reaches the vertical position, during which the crank centers at the universal joint, passes the line of centers of the horizontal Vhinge housing axis and the axis of the rotating insulator; and the blade is locked in open position.

Upon a reverse movement of the rotating insulator, with the blade open, the blade is first unlocked by the passing of the crank centers past dead center; and thereupon it is moved downward quickly, which gives its suliicient velocity to close between the contact shoes and break any ice formations that may exist.

While the blade has been rotating during its downward movement, the final rotation is brought about at the end of its movement between the contact shoes to effect a tighter contact; and the inwardly projecting lugs on one contact shoe serve to lock the blade in its closed position against any opening movements caused by action of magnetic flux induced by excessive currents.

The shunt, which by-passes the hinge connections of the blade has a tight contact with the blade and with the fixed trunnions, which take up all wear by virtue of their conical surfaces; and any excessive currents on the shunt tend to hold the shunt inc-re tightly in engagement with its contacting surfaces against the blade and trunnions.

lt will thus be observed that l have invented an improved rotating insulator twisting blade switch of the high pressure typ-e, which is characterized by the following important features:

l. The crank arm, which causes twisting of the blade toward high pressure contact, becomes shorter during this action, thereby twisting the blade at a faster rate after the blade enters the clip.

2. The twisting movement of the blade in the closed position, before the arcuate opening movement, provides a progressive powerful ice breaking Vforce due to the relative position of the .axes of the hinge blade and rotating insulator, as follows:

A. The binge axis is above the blade axis and toward the rear of the insulator axis.

3. When the blade is in open position at 90 degrees, over-travel of tbe mechanism locks the blade Vin the open position.

4. Over-travel on the closed end of the stroke locks the blade against opening.

5. The mechanism between the blade and the rotating insulator involves a minimum number of parts, including only the two cranks land a universal sliding connection;

butpositive control is provided at all phases of the opening or closing.

6. The mechanism is protected against ice corrosion or other obstructions.

7. The shunt at the hinge is fully enclosed and easily replaceable, and most nearly approaches the efliciency of a flexible bolted shunt withoutbeing subject to fraying or damage by exposure. Y

8. The shunt is of one piece construction, self-cleaning, and maintains a constant tight, resilient electrical connection between moving blade and fixed bridge, which is enhanced by excessive currents.

9. There are a minimum number of current transfers from one part to another part in the shunt Contact between blade and bridge, providing a high current carrying capacity with minimum resistance.

l0. The shunt has large contact surfaces maintained under pressure, providing a lifetime high electrical eiiiciency without maintenance or adjustment.

l1. The installation is protected against grounding 'until the switch is .open and against closing of the switch until the ground has been opened.

l2. The mechanism may be manufactured at a low cost because of its simplicity, minimum number of parts, and improved construction.

While I have illustrated -a preferred embodiment of my invention, many modifications may be made Without departing from the spirit of the invention, and l do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth, but desire to Vavail myself of all changes within the scope of the appended claims,

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

l. An electrical switch mechanism, comprising a rotating insulator, a xed insulator, fixed contact shoes carried lby the xed insulator, a Aswitch blade pivotally mounted kupon a iixed support above said rotating insulator, and a pair of diagonal cranks operatively connected together adjacent their ends, one extending from the rotating insulator, and the other extending Afrom the end of the switch blade, the rotation of the insulator .causing a rotation ,of `the blade and causing the switch blade to be moved upward out of engagement with the fixed contact shoes `due :to the action of said cranks.

2. An electrical switch mechanism, comprising .a rotating insulator., a fixed insulator, fixed contact shoes Vcarried by the fixed insulator, a switch blade `pivotally mounted upon a tixed support above said rotating insulaf tor, and a pair of diagonal cranks opera-tively connected together adjacent their ends, one extending from the rotating insulator, and .the other extending from the end of the switch blade, the rotation of `the insulator causing a rotation of the blade and causing the switch blade to -1 be moved upward out of engagement with the fixed contact shoes due to the action of said cranks, and the reverse rotation of said insulator causing the switch blade to be moved into closed position With said shoes.

3. An electrical switch mechanism, comprising a rotating insulator, a fixed insulator, fixed contact shoes carried by the fixed insulator, a switch blade pivotally mounted upon a xed support above said rotating insulator, and a pair of ldiagonal `cranks operatively connected together adjacent their ends, one extending from the rotating insulator, and the other extending from the switch blade, the rotation of the insulator causing the switch blade to be moved Aupward out of engagement with the fixed contact shoes due to the action of said cranks, and the reverse rotation of said insulator causing the switch blade to be moved into closed position with said shoes, the said fixed support comprising a metal bridge carried by `a third and fixed insulator.

4. An electrical switch mechanism, comprising a rotating insulator, a fixed insulator, fixed Contact shoes carried by the fixed insulator, a switch blade pivotally mounted upon a xed support above said rotating insulator, and a pair of diagonal cranks operatively connected together adjacent their ends. one extending from the rotating insulator, and the other extending from the switch blade, the rotation of the insulator causing the switch blade to be moved upward out of engagement with the iixed contact shoes due to the action of said cranks, and the reverse rotation of said insulator causing the switch blade to be moved into closed position with said shoes, the said blade being mounted for rotation relative to a hinge housing, and the hinge housing being mounted on hinge pivots for pivotal movement upon an axis transversely to the blade, a shunt between said blade and one of said pivots, and the final movement of Said rotating insulator' rotating the switch blade into tighter contact with ASaid shoes by virtue of a blade end portion of increased width.

5. An actuating mechanism for arcuate and rotative lmovement of a switch blade, comprising a hinge housing for the blade, lthe said hinge housing being pivotally vlllolluted'*upon an axis transversely to the blade, means for .rotatably supporting the blade upon the blade axis in the hinge housing, the said blade having a diagonally extending crank arm, a fixed support for pivotally mounting the hinge housing, and a rotating member mounted for rotation upon an axis transverse to that of the body and that of the hinge housing, said rotating member having a diagonally extending crank arm engaging operatively with that of the blade, the rotation of the latter rotating member simultaneously twisting the blade and giving it an arcuate opening or closing movement.

6. An actuating mechanism for arcuate and rotative movement of a switch blade, comprising a hinge housing for the blade, the said hinge housing being pivotally mounted upon an axis transversely to the blade, means for rotatably Supporting the blade upon the blade axis in the hinge housing, the said blade having a diagonally extending crank arm, a fixed support for pivotally mounting the hinge housing, and a rotating member mounted for rotation upon an axis transverse to that of the body and that of the hinge housing, said rotating member having a diagonally extending crank arm engaging operatively wirh that of the blade, the rotation of the latter rotating member simultaneously twisting the blade and giving it an arcuate opening or closing movement, the said rotating member comprising a rotating insulator, and said lixed support comprising a bridge extending to the rotating insulator from a iixed insulator.

7. An actuating mechanism for arcuate and rotative movement of a switch blade, comprising a hinge housing for the blade, the said hinge housing being pivotally mounted upon an axis transversely to the blade, means for rotatably supporting the blade upon the blade axis in the hinge housing, the said blade having a diagonally extending crank arm, a fixed support for pivotally mounting the hinge housing, and a rotating member mounted for rotation upon an axis transverse to that of the body and that of the hinge housing, said rotating member hav- 'ing a diagonally extending crank arm engaging operative- "ly with that of the blade, the rotation of the latter rotating member simultaneously twisting the blade and giving it an arcuate opening or closing movement, the said rotating member comprising a rotating insulator, and said tixedsupport comprising a bridge extending to the rotating insulator from a lixed insulator, and a counterbalance mechanism pivotally mounted on the hinge housing and the bridge and comprising a spring balanced plunger for holding the blade in any adjusted position.

8. An actuating mechanism for arcuate and rotative movement of a switch blade, comprising a hinge housing for the blade, the said hinge housing being pivotally mounted upon an axis transversely to the blade, means for .rotatably supporting the blade upon the blade axis 1in the hinge housing, the said blade having a diagonally extending crank arm, a xed support for pivotally mounting the hinge housing, and a rotating member mounted for rotation upon an transverse to that of the body and that of the hinge housii said rotating member having a diagonally extending crank arm engaging operatively with that of the blade, the rotation of the latter ritating member simultaneously twisting the blade and giving it an arcuate opening or closing movement, said operative connection between the diagonal end and crank comprising a stub shaft supporting an annular ball member, and said ball member being engaged in an enlarged bore for universal and sliding movement.

9. An actuating mechanism for arcuate and rotative movement or' a switch blade, comprising a hinge housing for the blade, the said hinge housing being pivotally mounted upon an axis transversely to the blade, means for rotatably supporting the blade upon the blade axis in the hinge housing, the said blade having a diagonally extending crank aim, a fixed support for pivotally mounting the hi ge housing, and a rotating member mounted for rotation upon an axis transverse to that of the body an that of the hinge housing, said rotating member having a diagonally extending crank arm engaging operatively with that of the blade, the rotation of the latter rotating member simultaneously' twisting the blade and giving it an arcuate opening or closing movement, said operative connection comprising a reduced cylindrical portion on the blade end engaging slidably in a bore and in an annular ball shaped member, the ball shaped member engaging in a pair of complementary ball sket members carried by the said crank.

li). A universal connection between a rotating switch blade crank end and a rotating insulator cap plate having a crank extension, comprising a cylindrical formation on said blade crank end, and a sliding, self-lubricating annular member mounted on said cylindrical formation, said annular member having external bail surface located in a complementary annular ball formation, mounted in a bore in said crank to provide a limited universal and sliding connection between the blade and insulator.

ll. A universal connection between a rotating switch blade crank end and a rotating insulator cap plate having a crank extension, said crank end being provided with a diagonally extending cylindrical socket, and said extension carrying a stub shaft provided with ball formation, and a self-lubricating annular member having a socket retained on said ball formation by a complementary surface, and having an external cylindrical surface slidably mounted in said bore.

l2. A universal connection between a rotating switch blade crank end and a rotating insulator cap plate having a crank extension, the said blade crank end being substantialiy cylindrical and slidably and rotatably mounted in a Self-lubricating ball having a cylindrical bore and an external partially spherical surface, and said crank extension having a partially spherical socket for receiving said ball and permitting universal movement at said socket when the crank extension actuates said blade crank end.

13. An actuating mechanism for switches of the rotating insulator type, comprising a iixed support, a bracket carried by said support, and having a laterally projecting actuating crank arm, said bracket having an annular seating surface above said crank arm, a second crank arm for connection to another switch mechanism having an annular member engaged about said annular seating'surtace, said annular member being provided with a multiplicity of sockets on its face, toward said first-mentioned crank arm, an insulator base carried by said bracket and conining the second crank arm on said seating surface, where said second crank arm is rotatably mounted, and a threaded member carried by the iirst crank arm and extending into any one of said sockets selectively, to adjust the angular position of one crank arm relative to the other and to make a multiple switch installation adaptable to various conditions in so far as the angularity of the crank arms is concerned.

14. ln a circuit interrupter of the type supported upon two xed insulators and one rotating insulator mounted between the fixed insulators, one of the iixed insulators carrying spaced resilient contacts for engagement with a switch arm and the other fixed insulator carrying a iixed bridge extending to the rotatable insulator, and said bridge having a bearing for the rotatable insulator and aligned trunnions for a switch blade housing, and having a rotatable switch blade with an end portion wider in one dimension than in a transverse dimension, the improvement which comprises, a pair ot aligned trunnions mounted in opposed relation on said bridge, a blade housing having bearings engaging said trunnions for rotation on a horizontal axis, said blade housing having a blade bearing on an axis transverse to said trunnions, a switch blade having a cylindrical portion rotatably mounted in said blade bearing, a rigid member carried by the end of said blade and having a downwardly extending diagonal actuating extension, a metal plate carried by said rotating insulator and having a rigid diagonal extension extending transversely to said blade actuating extension, and a sliding ball and socket connection between said diagonal extensions, the rotation of said insulator eiecting a preliminary rotation of the switch blade in the closed position to relieve contact pressure, and continued rotation of the rotating insulator effecting a pivotal movement of the blade on its trunnions to open the switch to a substantially vertical position.

l5. In a circuit interrupter of the type supported upon two xed insulators and one rotating insulator mounted between the fixed insulators, one of the fixed insulators carrying spaced resilient contacts for engagement with a switch arm and the other fixed insulator carrying a ixed bridge extending to the rotatable insulator, and said bridge having a bearing for the rotatable insulator and aligned trunnions for a switch blade housing, and having a rotatable switch blade with an end portion wider in one dimension than in a transverse dimension, the improvement which comprises, a pair of aligned trunnions mounted in opposed relation on said bridge, a blade housing having bearings engaging said trunnions for rotation on a horizontal axis, said blade housing having a blade bearing on an axis transverse to said trunnions, a switch blade having a cylindrical portion rotatably mounted in said blade bearing, a rigid member carried by the end of said blade and having a ldownwardly extending diagonal actuating extension, a metal plate carried by said rotating insulator and having a rigid diagonal extension extending #transversely to said blade actuating extension, and a sliding ball and socket connection between said diagonal extensions, the rotation of said insulator effecting a preliminary rotation of the switch blade in the closed position to relieve contact pressure, and continued rotation of the rotating insulator effecting a pivotal movement of the blade on its trunnions to open the switch to a substantially vertical position, the further rotation of said insulator in the same direction causing a locking of the blade in open position by passing the position of maximum opening of said blade.

16. In a circuit interrupter of the type supported upon two xed insulators and one rotating insulator mounted between the lixed insulators, one of the fixed insulators carrying spaced resilient contacts for engagement with a switch arm and the other iixed insulator carrying a fixed bridge extending to the rotatable insulator, and said bridge having a bearing for the rotatable insulator and aligned trunnions for a switch blade housing, and having a rotatable switch blade with an end portion wider in one dimension than in a transverse dimension, the improvement which comprises, a pair of aligned trunnions mounted in opposed relation on said bridge, a blade hous- Ving having bearings engaging said trunnions for rotation on a horizontal axis, said blade housing having a blade bearing on an axis transverse to said trunnions, a switch 20 blade having a cylindrical portion rotatably mounted in said blade bearing, a rigid member carried by the end of said blade and having a downwardly extending diagonal actuating extension, a metal plate carried by said rotating insulator and having a rigid diagonal extension extending transversely to said blade actuating extension, and a sliding ball and socket connection between said diagonal extensions, the rotation of said rotating insulator with the switch blade locked open passing dead center to unlock said blade, and thereafter to pivot the blade on said horizontal axis to closed position.

17. In a circuit interrupter of the type supported upon two fixed insulators and one rotating insulator mounted between the fixed insulators, one of the lixed insulators carrying spaced resilient contacts for engagement with a switch arm and the other fixed insulator carrying a fixed bridge extending to the rotatable insulator, and said bridge having a bearing for the rotatable insulator and aligned trunnions for a switch blade housing, and having a rotatable switch blade with an end portion wider in one dimension than in a transverse dimension, the improvement which comprises, a pair of aligned trunnions mounted in opposed relation on said bridge, a blade housing having bearings engaging said trunnions for rotation on a horizontal axis, said blade housing having a blade bearing on an axis transverse to said trunnions, a switch blade having a cylindrical portion rotatably mounted in said blade bearing, a rigid member carried by thev end of said blade and having a downwardly extending diagonal actuating extension, a metal plate carried by said rotating insulator and having a rigid diagonal extension extending transversely to said blade actuating extension, and a sliding ball and socket connection between said diagonal extensions, the rotation of said rotating insulator with the switch blade locked open passing dead center to unlock said blade, and thereafter to pivot the blade on said horizontal axis to closed position, and the further rotation of said insulator rotating the switch blade in its housing and forcing the wider part of said blade end into tighter engagement with said resilient contacts.

18. In a circuit interrupter of the type supported upon two xed insulators and one rotating insulator mounted between the txed insulators, one of the fixed insulators carrying spaced resilient contacts for engagement with a switch arm and the other fixed insulator carryingv a txed bridge extending to the rotatable insulator, and said bridge having a bearing for the rotatable insulator and aligned trunnions for a switch blade housing, and having a rotatable switch blade with an end portion wider in one dimension than in a transverse dimension, the improvement which comprises, a pair of aligned trunnions mounted in opposed relation on said bridge, a blade housing having bearings engaging said trunnions for rotation on a horizontal axis, said blade housing having a blade bearing on an axis transverse to said trunnions, a switch blade having a cylindrical portion rotatably mounted in said blade bearing, a rigid member carried by the end of said blade and having a downwardly extending diagonal actuating extension, a metal plate carried by said rotating insulator and having a rigid diagonal extension extending transversely to said blade actuating extension, and a sliding ball and socket connection between said diagonal extensions, the rotation of said rotating insulator with the switch blade locked open passing dead center to unlock said blade, and thereafter to pivot the blade on said horizontal axis to closed position, and the further rotation of said insulator rotating the switch blade in its housing and forcing the wider part of said blade end into tighter engagement with said resilient contacts, the said diagonal extensions passing a line of dead centers and locking said blade in closed position against opening by magnetic forces caused by surges of current. v

19. A combination of machine elements comprising a 

